The Panthers are now 4-11 overall and just under .500 at 2-3 in conference play.

After splitting last weekend’s matches, the Panthers look to take home two key Ohio Valley Conference matches this weekend.

Freshman Katie Kirby and sophomore Reynae Hutchinson had an impressive showing in Friday and Sunday’s games and those two will be key factors in the next two home matches.

Kirby and Hutchinson combined for a total of 42 kills and 43 digs last weekend alone despite their single overall scores.

Kirby has 138 kills and 99 digs while the female athlete of the week Hutchinson, has a total of 120 kills and 91 digs.

Head coach Kate Price said the team will feed off the momentum it got in Friday’s win to overcome the next two teams and get two victories at home.

“The girls are ready to go, and we had a good week of practice, so we are going to use that to bring home two OVC wins,” Price said.

Eastern Kentucky holds a 7-8 overall record and an even 2-2 record in league play.

The two teams will meet for the 31st time this weekend, with the Panthers owning a 16-14 series advantage. However, they have lost the last seven matches between the two, which includes three consecutive contests going to five sets.

The Panthers are looking to break that streak and lead into Saturday with a victory.

Morehead State enters the weekend at 9-5 overall and a perfect 4-0 to open conference play.

Eastern and Morehead State will meet for the 29th time, with the Panthers holding a 15-13 advantage. However, Eastern has also lost the last eight contests to Morehead State.

Price said the team takes it one game at a time.

“We are not going to overlook Eastern Kentucky,” Price said. “We have to focus on one game at a time because they are a good team, too.”

The Panthers will return home this Friday and Saturday to play Eastern Kentucky and Morehead State. First serves are set for 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively.

Lenny Arquilla can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected].